Setting Goals to Become a Paid Writer in 2023

As a writer, it’s important to have clear goals in mind in order to stay motivated and achieve success. Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or you’ve been writing for years, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can help you stay on track and reach your dreams.

Here are some steps you can take to set goals for becoming a paid writer in 2023:

1. Define your goals

Before you can start setting specific goals, you need to define what success means to you. Do you want to be a full-time freelance writer? Do you want to work for a magazine or publishing house? Do you want to write a book and get it published? Whatever your dream is, it’s important to be specific and clear about what you want to achieve.

For example, a SMART goal for this could be: “I will become a full-time freelance writer by December 31, 2023, by consistently pitching my writing to paying clients and building a strong portfolio.”

2. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks

Once you have your main goal defined, it’s time to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused and make progress towards your goal on a daily or weekly basis.

For example, if your goal is to become a full-time freelance writer, some tasks you might want to consider include:

• Researching potential clients and markets for your writing
• Building a website or online portfolio to showcase your work
• Developing a clear understanding of your writing style and niche
• Setting up a business plan and budget for your freelance writing career
• Networking with other writers and industry professionals

3. Set deadlines for your tasks and goals

In order to stay motivated and on track, it’s important to set deadlines for your tasks and goals. This will help you stay accountable and ensure that you’re making progress towards your dream of becoming a paid writer.

For example, you might set a deadline of three months to research potential clients and markets, six months to build a website or online portfolio, and one year to develop a clear understanding of your writing style and niche. By setting these deadlines, you can stay focused and ensure that you’re making progress towards your goal of becoming a full-time freelance writer.

4. Measure your progress

As you work towards your goals, it’s important to measure your progress so you can see how far you’ve come and what you still need to work on. This might involve tracking your income, writing submissions, or keeping a record of your accomplishments.

For example, you might track the number of pitches you send out each month, the number of writing submissions you make, or the number of paid writing gigs you secure. By measuring your progress, you can see what’s working and what needs to be improved in order to achieve your goal of becoming a paid writer.

5. Be flexible and adaptable

While it’s important to have specific goals in mind, it’s also important to be flexible and adaptable as you work towards your dreams. The writing industry is constantly changing, and you may find that your goals evolve as you progress.

For example, you might start out as a freelance writer but later decide that you want to work for a magazine or publishing house. Or you might find that your writing style or niche changes as you develop your skills and experience. By being flexible and adaptable, you can adjust your goals as needed and continue to make progress towards your dream of becoming a paid writer.

In conclusion, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can help you stay motivated and focused as you work towards becoming a paid writer in 2023. By defining your goals, breaking them down into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, measuring your progress, and being flexible and adaptable, you can stay on track and achieve your dreams of success in the writing industry. With hard work, dedication, and a clear plan in place, you can reach your goal of becoming a paid writer in 2023 and beyond.